Graphene Quantum Dots in Bacterial Cellulose Hydrogels for Visible Light-Activated Antibiofilm and Angiogenesis in Infection Management

A novel bacterial cellulose (BC)-based composite hydrogel with graphene quantum dots (BC-GQDs) was developed for photodynamic therapy using blue and green light (BC-GQD_blue and BC-GQD_green) to target pathogenic bacterial biofilms. This approach aims to address complications in treating nosocomial infections and combating multi-drug-resistant organisms. Short-term illumination (30 min) of both BC-GQD samples led to singlet oxygen production and a reduction in pathogenic biofilms. Significant antibiofilm activity (>50% reduction) was achieved against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with BC-GQD_green, and against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with BC-GQD_blue. Atomic force microscopy images revealed a substantial decrease in biofilm mass, accompanied by changes in surface roughness and area, further confirming the antibiofilm efficacy of BC-GQDs under blue and green light, without any observed chemical alterations. Additionally, the biocompatibility of BC-GQDs was demonstrated with human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). For the first time, in vitro studies explored the visible light-induced potential of BC-GQD composites to promote wound healing processes, showing increased migratory potential and the upregulation of eNOS and MMP9 gene expressions in HGFs. Chemical characterization revealed a 70 nm upshift in the photoluminescence emission spectra compared to the excitation wavelength. These novel photoactive BC-GQD hydrogel composites show great promise as effective agents for wound healing regeneration and infection management. © 2025 by the authors

An interlaboratory comparison to quantify oxidative potential measurement in aerosol particles: challenges and recommendations for harmonisation

This paper presents the findings from a collaborative interlaboratory comparison exercise designed to assess oxidative potential (OP) measurements conducted by 20 laboratories worldwide. This study represents an innovative effort as the first exercise specifically aimed at harmonising this type of OP assay, setting a new benchmark in the field. Over the last decade, there has been a noticeable increase in OP studies, with numerous research groups investigating the effects of exposure to air pollution particles through the evaluation of OP levels. However, the absence of standardised methods for OP measurements has resulted in variability in results across different groups, rendering meaningful comparisons challenging. To address this issue, this study engages in an international effort to compare OP measurements using a simplified method (with a dithiothreitol (DTT) assay). Here, we quantify the OP in liquid samples to focus on the protocol measurement itself, while future international OP interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) should aim to assess the whole chain process, including the sample extraction. We analyse the similarities and discrepancies observed in the results, identifying the critical parameters (such as the instrument used, the use of a simplified protocol, the delivery and analysis time) that could influence OP measurements and provide recommendations for future studies and interlaboratory comparisons even if other crucial aspects, such as sampling PM methods, sample storage, extraction methods and conditions, and the evaluation of other OP assays, still need to be standardised. This collaborative approach enhances the robustness of the OP DTT assay and paves the way for future studies to build on a unified framework. This pioneering work concludes that interlaboratory comparisons provide essential insights into the OP metric and are crucial to move toward the harmonisation of OP measurements. © 2025 Pamela A. Dominutti et al

Metrology Requirements for the Integrated Luminosity Measurement Using Small-Angle Bhabha Scattering at ILC

Precision measurement of the integrated luminosity at future Higgs factories, including the International Linear Collider (ILC), is of crucial importance for the cross-section measurements, and in particular for the line-shape measurements at the Z-pole. Since there is no up-to-date estimate of the integrated luminosity uncertainties arising from metrology effects at ILC, here we review the metrology requirements for the targeted precision of at foreseen ILC center-of-mass energies: 91.2 GeV, 250 GeV, 500 GeV and 1 TeV, using small-angle Bhabha scattering. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Physical Society of Japan

mir-188‐5p emerges as an oncomir to promote chronic myeloid leukemia via upregulation of BUB3 and SUMO2

Background Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is an aggressive malignancy originating from hematopoietic stem cells. miRNAs play a role in physiological and developmental processes, including cellular proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and differentiation, and in CML’s prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the function and possible mechanisms of action of miR-188-5p in the development and progression of chronic myeloid leukemia. Methods and results miRNA expression profiles were obtained from the GSE90773 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). GEO2R was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs. miRNET, miRDB, CancerSEA, GeneMANIA, and BioGRID databases were applied to assess the biological function of miRNA and target molecules in CML. RT-PCR performed validation analyses of miRNA and target molecules in CML. To determine the power of miR-188-5p expression levels to distinguish patients with CML from control, the ROC analysis was performed. miR-188-5p is significantly increased in K-562 cells, and overexpression of miR-188-5p was associated with clinicopathological features. miR-188-5p showed significantly higher AUC values (AUC=1.0, p=0.0001). The cut-off of miR-188-5p was 6.74. miRDB and mirNET predicted BUB3 and SUMO2 as a potential target gene of miR-188-5p. Additionally, increased expression of BUB3 and SUMO2 was observed in the K-562 cell. Bub3 is implicated in apoptosis and the cell cycle, whereas Sumo2 protein sumoylation and DNA binding are believed to contribute to catabolic processes. Conclusions Our results suggest that miR-188-5p acts as an oncomiRNA in CML pathogenesis and may be a promising therapeutic target for CML

The Influence of Different Protocols on the Application of the Dithiothreitol Assay in Determining the Oxidative Potential of Ambient Particles

Environmental particulate matter (PM) exposure has been widely recognized for its significant adverse effects on human health. Monitoring PM levels is one of the essential parameters of air quality assessment. However, PM mass concentration alone does not sufficiently explain its toxicological impacts and effects on health. This study highlights the importance of oxidative potential (OP) as a promising metric for evaluating PM toxicity. It focuses on standardizing the dithiothreitol (DTT) assay as a tool for OP measurement. In order to investigate the impact of various extraction techniques, reagent concentrations, and assay conditions, four previously established protocols were tested without modification, while a novel protocol was introduced based on an extensive literature review. Results revealed strong positive correlations between the new and most established protocols. These findings highlight the significance of the new protocol in advancing the development of standardized methodologies for applying the DTT assay and demonstrating its reliability and relevance. While developing a standardized DTT assay involves addressing numerous parameters—from filter extraction to assay application—this research provides a solid base for achieving consistency in OP measurements and overcoming this critical issue. © 2025 by the authors

Microstructure, Hardness, and Wear Behavior of Layers Obtained by Electric Arc Hardfacing Processes

Hardfacing is a welding-related technique aimed at depositing a harder and tougher layer onto a softer, less wear-resistant substrate or base metal. This process enhances the abrasion resistance of the component, increasing its durability under working conditions. A key feature of hardfacing is dilution, which refers to the mixing of the hardfacing layer and the base metal. In this study, shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) was employed to hardface structural steel using chromium carbide vanadium consumables, with results compared to AISI D2 cold-work tool steel. Four different SMAW parameters were tested, and the abrasive test was conducted against SiC discs. Wear rate, represented by the wear loss rate, was correlated to microstructure, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, hardness, microhardness, and surface roughness. The results showed that key SMAW parameters, such as welding speed and current, significantly influence wear resistance. Specifically, slower welding speeds and higher currents, which result in greater heat input, led to the increased wear resistance of the deposited layer through the mechanism of the inoculation of larger and harder carbides. © 2025 by the authors

Ab-Initio study of water molecule adsorption on monoclinic Scheelite-Type BiVO4 surfaces

Herein, we present a study on the adsorption of one water molecule (bonded to either Bi or V sites) and two water molecules (bonded to both Bi and V sites) onto seven low-index surfaces (001), (010), (011), (100), (101), (110), and (111) as well as one high-index surface (211) of a monoclinic scheelite-type BiVO4 crystal structure using ab initio calculations. By predicting the adsorption energies for different facets, we find that water adsorption is more likely to occur on Bi sites. However, for the (001) and (211) surfaces, water adsorption is more likely on the V sites. Furthermore, we find that the studied low-index facets can be grouped into four distinct categories. Facets within the same group exhibit similar water adsorption energies. These groups are ((001)), ((010), (100)), ((110)), and ((011), (101), (111)). For low-index surfaces, favorable adsorption occurs on the (001) surface on the V site

The role of acetylcholinesterase in cancer development and possible therapeutic applications

The cholinergic system plays a crucial role in essential physiological processes such as memory, learning, autonomic regulation, muscle, and neurological functions. Beyond its well-established functions, the cholinergic system is also directly involved in apoptosis, a process crucial for maintaining balance in development, differentiation, and aging. Dysregulation of apoptosis can lead to diseases, with cancer being of particular concern. Cholinergic signaling significantly influences various aspects of cancer development and progression, including cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and survival. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a critical enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) within the synaptic cleft, facilitating nerve signal transmission. Implications of the ACh pathway in cancer development and progression are evident. Dysregulation of the ACh pathway may occur in cancer due to changes in the expression and activity of ACh-synthesizing enzymes (choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)) and ACh-degrading enzyme (AChE), leading to imbalances in ACh levels and disrupted cholinergic signaling. Given AChE's involvement in apoptosis, it has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Various strategies have been explored to modulate AChE activity or expression, including AChE inhibitors and agents enhancing AChE expression, revealing promising outcomes in promoting apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth in preclinical studies. Advancing our understanding of AChE functions will enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies using targeted agents, benefiting cancer and neurodegenerative disease treatments.Chapter 18Section II: Proteases as diagnostics and prognostics biomarker

Sustainable carbon materials from biowaste for the removal of organophosphorus pesticides, dyes, and antibiotics

This study investigates the potential of spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a precursor for functional carbon materials to remediate diverse pollutants. SCG, a globally abundant biowaste, offers a sustainable resource for addressing environmental challenges while reducing waste. Carbonized at 900 °C and activated using KOH, H3PO4, and CO2, SCG biochars were analyzed for their ability to adsorb organophosphorus pesticides (malathion, chlorpyrifos), organic dyes (methylene blue, rhodamine B), and antibiotics (amoxicillin, ceftriaxone). These pollutants were selected due to their persistence and risks to ecosystems and health. KOH activation significantly enhanced adsorption of dyes and antibiotics by increasing porosity and surface functionality. Langmuir isotherm-derived adsorption capacities at 25 °C showed SCG biochar activated with KOH and CO2 had the highest efficiency: 17.3 mg g⁻1 for malathion, 25.6 mg g⁻1 for chlorpyrifos, 9.7 mg g⁻1 for methylene blue, 130 mg g⁻1 for rhodamine B, 9.9 mg g⁻1 for amoxicillin, and 14.2 mg g⁻1 for ceftriaxone. The results of this study highlight the potential of SCG valorization to contribute to sustainable environmental management, offering affordable and environmentally friendly strategies to mitigate water pollution

Inertial Memory Effects in Molecular Transport Across Nanoporous Membranes

Nanoporous membranes are heterogeneous structures, with heterogeneity manifesting at the microscale. In examining particle transport through such media, it has been observed that this transport deviates from classical diffusion, as described by Fick’s second law. Moreover, the classical model is physically unsustainable, as it is non-causal and predicts an infinite speed of concentration perturbation propagation through a substantial medium. In this work, we have derived two causal models as extensions of Fick’s second law, where causality is linked to the effects of inertial memory in the nanoporous membrane. The results of the derived models have been compared with each other and with those obtained from the classical model. It has been demonstrated that both causal models, one with exponentially fading inertial memory and the other with power-law fading memory, predict that the concentration perturbation propagates as a damped wave, leading to an increased time required for the cumulative amount of molecules passing through the membrane to reach a steady state compared to the classical model. The power-law fading memory model predicts a longer time required to achieve a stationary state. These findings have significant implications for understanding cell physiology, developing drug delivery systems, and designing nanoporous membranes for various applications